Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking permission from western allies, including the United States, to strike deep inside Russia with guided weapons to destroy Russian bases that have launched devastating attacks on Ukraine. The decision is imminent as tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalate, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning of NATO involvement in the war if Western-backed strikes occur in Russia.
Ukraine wants to take the fight deeper into Russia with longer-range missiles, using western-supplied precision weapons like ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP missiles. The Pentagon’s technical guidance is crucial for precise targeting at the longest range of these weapons.
The potential benefits of allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia include disrupting Russian military operations, slowing the restocking of supplies, and forcing Russia to reconsider its costs in the war. However, there are concerns about escalating the conflict and the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia.
Supporting Ukraine with weapons is complicated due to limited supplies, potential consequences for other conflicts, and concerns about escalation. Despite these challenges, some experts argue that the burden should be on those advocating for holding Ukraine back, rather than those supporting Ukraine’s ability to target legitimate military targets in Russia.
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